Fernando Torres could make Chelsea return for West Ham clash

Fernando Torres could return to aid Chelsea's bid to end a two-match winless run in the Barclays Premier League at West Ham on Saturday.

The 29-year-old Spain striker sustained an adductor injury prior to the Champions League win at home to Schalke and was ruled out for three weeks, before returning to training on Thursday.

Also in action at Chelsea's Surrey training base was left-back Ashley Cole, who went off during England's friendly defeat to Germany on Tuesday night with a recurrence of a rib injury which first forced him out at Norwich in early October.

Cole could return in place of Cesar Azpilicueta or may be held in reserve, with Tuesday's Champions League contest at Basle in mind.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho may ask Torres to make an immediate return against a Hammers side which beat the Blues 3-1 at Upton Park last season.

Juan Mata's goal gave Chelsea a half-time lead, but Carlton Cole equalised before Mohamed Diame struck a second and Modibo Maiga hit a third.

Mourinho will be wary of a repeat, particularly after being less than impressed by the performance in the 2-0 defeat at Newcastle at the start of the month.

The Portuguese has happy history of facing Hammers boss Sam Allardyce. It was at the Reebok Stadium against Allardyce's Bolton that Mourinho led Chelsea to the club's first championship in 50 years in 2005.

Frank Lampard scored both goals that day, but the former Hammer can expect a frosty reception on his old stomping ground following his move from east to west London in 2001.

Many of Chelsea's players will take part in buoyant mood after sealing their World Cup places during the international break.

Germany had already earned their place in Brazil and won 1-0 at Wembley against England, with Chelsea's Andre Schurrle featuring as a substitute.

The forward, who also played against Italy, told Chelsea TV: "It's always good to come back here to London, to Chelsea.

"We had two difficult matches, one win, one draw. I'm happy to be back."

Schurrle will now be focused on club success, but he also hopes to finish the season in style with Germany.

He added: "We've a good team, good players, good characters and we want to win a lot next year in Brazil. We have to be strong."